She stayed away from the limelight, but her contributions made the WBC a globally recognized sanctioning body, expanding its reach to every nook and corner of the world. Not only did she shelter young and coming hot prospects, but she also ensured her husband, Don José Sulaiman, could devote his life to boxing. From the likes of Julio Ceaser Chavez Sr. to Mike Tyson, she was a mother to them all. So, when Martha Saldivar Sulaiman breathed her last breath on August 18, the boxing world plunged into sadness at the loss of their matriarch.

Martha Saldivar was born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, where she spent most of her childhood and youth until she met Jose Sulaiman, and soon the two fell in love. The two together shared a happy marriage for 42 years, where Mrs. Sulaiman’s virtues of patience, love, and unwavering support allowed her husband to climb up the ranks of the WBC, where he remained the president for 38 long years until his son, Mauricio Sulaiman took it over in 2014. Meanwhile, she was content with the role of mother to their six children, Fernando, Hector, Jose, Lucy, Claudia, and Mauricio, and whichever boxer knocked on her door.

Martha Saldivar Sulaiman’s contributions to the world of boxing

While her husband worked around the clock for WBC, she was at home and welcomed hundreds of boxers, who wanted to have a conversation with the WBC executive. Not only did she cook and serve them food, but also allowed them to open their hearts and have a pleasant conversation with them. She offered them advice and gave them affection when they needed it the most. So, Dona Martha’s hospitality, her kindness, and her simplicity made her a mother figure to all the WBC boxers, and she touched the hearts of those hard-boiled fighters.

Among those were Chavez Sr. and Tyson. While Chavez Sr. affectionately called her ‘Jefa,’ which means ‘boss’ in Spanish, indicating her hold on the affairs of the WBC and the fighters’ hearts, Tyson called her ‘mom’. In addition, Mrs. Sulaiman stood like a pillar of strength for her husband, while he revolutionized the sport of boxing, introducing many important changes that have now become the norm.

Meet Don José Sulaiman, Martha’s husband

Jose Sulaiman was a boxing official who spent his life around the squared circle. You name any job and he would have done it. Be it a trainer, promoter, referee, or judge. But it was his role as an administrator, where he excelled. After joining the WBC in 1968, he rapidly rose to the position of president, which he held until he died in 2014.

The Mexican boxing administrator focused on boxers’ safety and introduced 12-round championship fights instead of the 15 rounds before it. That’s not all. The practice of official weighing 24 hours before the fight, the creation of intermediate weight divisions, and the funding of brain injuries are his legacy. Sulaiman’s efforts resulted in the WBC holding sway over boxing in 161 world countries as its affiliate members.

However, he also garnered negative attention for his relationship with Don King. But he ensured the WBC emerged as one of the most coveted boxing organizations in the world. And you have to thank Mrs. Sulaiman for it. So, when the boxing world learned of her death, heartfelt messages came pouring in.

Mauricio Sulaiman and Julio Ceaser Chavez’s message after Martha Saldivar Sulaiman’s death

Chavez Sr. turned to his Instagram handle, shared an image of Mrs. Sulaiman, and penned an emotional message for her. Along with sending goodbyes and condolences, the Mexican boxing legend disclosed the details of their last meeting. He wrote, “Yesterday we saw each other, and as always, your smile illuminated the moment. Life gives us exemplary people, and among them, you and Don José have always shown me what true love is: love for family, for sport, and for the people who made the Great Mexican Champion.”

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye with that beautiful smile. I will always carry you in my heart, right next to Don José,” the caption read further.

Mauricio Sulaiman, the current WBC president, also posted a picture of his mother and declared, “Martha has joined Jose, the love of her life for eternity. Our dear mother Martha has passed away in peace in the company of her loved ones.” The WBC lynchpin, hailing her mother for her caring nature, sacrifice, love, and compassion, added, “So many boxers called her “Mama“ as she took them all under her wing whether it was Tyson or Chavez or an amateur humble kid.”

We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Sulaiman family.